Thursday, January 30, 2014

What are the Health Benefits of Oregano?

What are the health benefits of oregano?

< strong>Ratings require JavaScript to be enabled.</strong>

Oregano is an important culinary and medicinal herb that has been used in medicine and cooking for thousands of years - with a number of potential health benefits. It is a species of Origanum, belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae).
Its name comes from the Greek words oros (mountain) and ganos (joy).
Oregano typically grows 50 cm tall and has purple leaves around 2 to 3 centimeters in length.
The chemicals that give the herb its unique and pleasant smell are thymol, pinene, limonene, carvacrol, ocimene, and caryophyllene
Not only does oregano provide food flavor, there are also a substantial number of health claims associated with its potent antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties.
This Medical News Today information article on oregano highlights the potential health benefits of the herb and also any side effects it may cause.

What are the health benefits of Oregano

Oregano has a very pleasant aromatic scent.

The herb is used to treat respiratory tract disorders, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, menstrual cramps, and urinary tract disorders.
The herb is also applied topically to help treat a number of skin conditions, such as acne and dandruff.
Oregano contains: fiber, iron, manganese, vitamin E, iron, calcium, omega fatty acids, manganese, and typtophan.Oregano is also a rich source of:

Vitamin K - an important vitamin which promotes bone growth, the maintenance of bone density, and the production of blood clotting proteins.

However, it's important to note that further high quality study results are necessary to confirm these claims.

Side effects and precautions

Eating oregano can cause stomach upsets in some people. In addition, those who are allergic to plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family (such as including basil, lavender, mint, and sage) should be cautious, as they may also develop an allergic reaction to oregano.
Written by Joseph Nordqvist